'Food Heroes' Scholarship Encourages Young Generation to Take Action for Sustainable Development

On October 16, in response to World Food Day, the Vietnam Food Bank Network (Food Bank Vietnam) in collaboration with Can Tho University and the Global Food Bank Network launched the “Food Hero” scholarship and a student conference on Sustainable Food Development 2025.

The “Food Hero - Food Hero” Scholarship was formed from the Food Hero Award, a prestigious award initiated by the Vietnam Food Bank Network in 2023, to honor individuals, businesses and organizations that are pioneers in activities against food waste, reducing poverty and protecting the environment.

The first 30 scholarships were awarded to students of Can Tho University. Photo: Organizing Committee

After two award seasons (2023 and 2024), dozens of "food heroes" were honored, including many outstanding businesses and individuals who have actively contributed to the sustainable food ecosystem in Vietnam.

Following the success of the award, the Food Hero scholarship was established to honor and support students with difficult circumstances, who have the will to rise up, community awareness and good academic performance. The scholarship will be awarded annually to students with initiatives in the fields of agriculture , food and community projects towards sustainable development.

Ms. Nguyen Hoang Truc Linh, Executive Director of Vietnam Food Bank Network, spoke at the event.

Ms. Nguyen Hoang Truc Linh, CEO of the Vietnam Food Bank Network, affirmed: “The young generation is the one who creates the future of the Vietnamese food industry. With knowledge, creativity and the spirit of sharing, students can contribute to building a society without hunger and towards sustainable development."

Ms. Truc Linh also said that the Food Hero scholarship is not only a recognition of past efforts but also a belief in the future, where young people will become new “food heroes”, spreading the spirit of responsible living, creativity in resource management and acting together for a fair food system, leaving no one behind. The program also opens up opportunities for cooperation between universities, businesses and social organizations, towards building a green, humane and sustainable food ecosystem for Vietnam and the region.

Representatives of businesses in the food sector shared solutions towards building a safe, waste-free and environmentally friendly food system. Photo: Organizing Committee

Within the framework of the program, a student conference on "Sustainable Food Development 2025" also took place. The event brought together a large number of students, lecturers and representatives of businesses in the fields of food, agriculture and sustainable development to exchange and discuss solutions towards building a safe, waste-free and environmentally friendly food system.

According to statistics, 1/3 of the food produced in the world is lost or wasted each year, causing 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the worsening of climate change. In Vietnam, about 8 million tons of food are wasted each year, equivalent to 3.9 billion USD, while many people still lack food and are malnourished. This situation requires synchronous solutions and the cooperation of the whole society, especially the young generation - the pioneering force in changing awareness and action for a sustainable food system.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/hoc-bong-anh-hung-thuc-pham-khuyen-khich-the-he-tre-hanh-dong-huong-den-phat-trien-ben-vung-20251016153132248.htm